Nov 17, 2006

Al Roker on Healthy Holidays

You may be used to watching Al Roker in the morning on the Today Show. But in the evening, the best place to find this weathercaster and author of three books is at home.

Roker, author of Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook, is the primary cook for his family of five, and he takes the job seriously.

"I just love to cook," Roker says. "And living in New York City is great because you can have more of a European experience where you can shop that day and cook it at night."

Roker hopes to pass on his passion to his kids, ages 19, 8 and 4. But the one thing he doesn't want them to inherit is a weight problem, something he's struggled with most of his life.

"It's about portion control and not depriving," Roker says. "It's not about making your kids feel bad or guilty, but about integrating smart choices."

In the Roker household, that means allowing the kids to have ice cream on occasion, avoiding fast food, and integrating exercise into the family routine.

You'll be able to see Roker on Thanksgiving co-hosting the 80th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And in February, you can catch him at the 6th annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach, February 23 - 25.

Click here to see two of Roker's favorite healthy Thanksgiving recipes: Roast Maple-Bourbon Acorn Squash and Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds.